Garsington Opera is one of the UK's most distinctive cultural organisations. From its home at the beautiful Wormsley Estate in the Chiltern Hills, it has built an international reputation for artistic excellence, innovative programming and creating unforgettable experiences for audiences. Following the opening of Garsington Studios in 2024, the organisation is entering an exciting new phase of growth - expanding its year-round activity, developing new partnerships and reaching broader and more diverse audiences than ever before.

As we look towards our 40th anniversary in 2029, audience growth, engagement and diversification are central to our future ambitions. We are now seeking an exceptional Senior Head of Audiences to shape and lead our marketing, communications and audience development strategy, helping to strengthen our profile, grow income and ensure more people can experience and engage with our work. This is a rare opportunity to influence the future direction of a nationally recognised arts organisation at a pivotal moment in its development.

As Senior Head of Audiences, you will:

• Develop and deliver ambitious audience development, marketing and communications strategies that support Garsington Opera's artistic, organisational and financial objectives.
• Lead integrated campaigns to grow audiences, strengthen membership engagement and support fundraising, ticket sales and commercial activity.
• Build Garsington Opera's profile and reputation locally, nationally and internationally through impactful communications, media relations and brand development.
• Champion a data-informed approach, using audience insight, CRM and campaign evaluation to drive decision-making and optimise performance.
• Work collaboratively across the organisation to expand the reach and impact of the Pathways programme and wider community engagement activity.
• Lead and develop a high-performing communications and marketing team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.
• Act as an ambassador for Garsington Opera, building strong relationships with audiences, partners, stakeholders and sector bodies.

We welcome applications from individuals with:

• Significant experience developing and delivering successful marketing and communications campaigns, ideally within the arts, culture, live events or membership sectors.
• Strong strategic thinking combined with excellent creative, communication and storytelling skills.
• Experience of using audience insight, CRM systems and campaign analysis to inform strategy and improve outcomes.
• A track record of building organisational profile, growing audiences and delivering measurable commercial results.
• Experience of leading and developing teams, with a collaborative and supportive leadership style.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to build effective relationships across multiple disciplines.
• A genuine passion for the arts and a commitment to broadening access, engagement and inclusion.

This is a full-time leadership role based at Garsington Studios, Wormsley, with flexibility for some home working.

Garsington Opera is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected and valued. We warmly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

For a confidential discussion, please contact our recruitment advisers at GatenbySanderson:

Oliver Startup, Senior Researcher
oliver.startup@gatenbysanderson.com

Rebekah Herz-Bauman, Partner
rebekah.herz-bauman@gatenbysanderson.com

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Recruitment Timetable

Closing date
Friday 14 August 2026

Preliminary Interviews
w/c 7th September 2026

First stage Final Panel Interviews
Tuesday 29th September 2026

Second Stage Final Panel Interviews
Monday 5th October 2026

How to Apply

• Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.
• Detail any employment or education gaps.
• Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com